Racism in Scottsdale/Phoenix (Mesa, Strawberry: daycare, schools, living in)

[anewday4me]

I am moving to Scottsdale with my 2 year old granddaughter. She
is half black, a quarter Mexican, a quarter white. I am white. I have
been reading a lot about racism in Phoenix and there is a dislike for Hispanics. Also, that there are no blacks in the area. Some people here in California where I live have told me that it is not a good move for her. I have looked at photos of daycare facilities and they are all blue eyed blondes.
I am looking for some input on tolerance in the area. Will she have problems in the community because her grandmother is white and she is black? I am concerned I made a mistake moving. I just had no idea
that Arizona was not a racially tolerant state and seen as red neck. Is this a true perception?

[Prinny]

I'm mixed, I'd rather not say what I am, but I cannot say I have ever experienced any problems in Phoenix at all! My life here is very happy and there are many different cultural celebrations in Phoenix throughout the year. Please don't let what others are telling you deter what you feel you need to do. I have never been happier since moving here. I should feel like a stand out and I don't. Totally feel welcomed! It's about how you feel inside not what others make you feel on the outside.

[Finger Laker]

come experience it for yourself - definitely not the largest black population in the states, but all in all i've found the area to be pretty tolerant and not really racially devisive

i also don't see much angst toward hispanics - illegals yes though and sometimes that line can get a little blury to some on both sides of the line

you should be fine

[jlhct]

Originally Posted by anewday4me

I am moving to Scottsdale with my 2 year old granddaughter. She
is half black, a quarter Mexican, a quarter white. I am white. I have
been reading a lot about racism in Phoenix and there is a dislike for Hispanics. Also, that there are no blacks in the area. Some people here in California where I live have told me that it is not a good move for her. I have looked at photos of daycare facilities and they are all blue eyed blondes.
I am looking for some input on tolerance in the area. Will she have problems in the community because her grandmother is white and she is black? I am concerned I made a mistake moving. I just had no idea
that Arizona was not a racially tolerant state and seen as red neck. Is this a true perception?

I'm black and even though there is not a large black population, I feel comfortable. My neighbor even said to me in a conversation one day "I bet you were a little worried about racial issues when you first moved here, but AZ and the rest of the west has a live & let live attitude"

It made me feel better, and she's pretty much a "native" has been here over 50 years.

[omle]

Originally Posted by anewday4me

I am moving to Scottsdale with my 2 year old granddaughter. She
is half black, a quarter Mexican, a quarter white. I am white. I have
been reading a lot about racism in Phoenix and there is a dislike for Hispanics. Also, that there are no blacks in the area. Some people here in California where I live have told me that it is not a good move for her. I have looked at photos of daycare facilities and they are all blue eyed blondes.
I am looking for some input on tolerance in the area. Will she have problems in the community because her grandmother is white and she is black? I am concerned I made a mistake moving. I just had no idea
that Arizona was not a racially tolerant state and seen as red neck. Is this a true perception?

I'm curious as to what you have been reading that says there is a lot of racism in Phx. Is it an internet chat forum? If so, which one? Or did you read this in a magazine or newspaper? Anyway, there really is no dislike for Hispanics...There is a big concern over illegal immigrants.

I will tell you that there is a real issue with class/culture here. If you look kind of poor, speak poorly, dress shabbily, look like a gang banger...well you will be judged, especially in more upscale areas. I honestly don't think it's any different in SoCal.

There really aren't a lot of Black people in the Phx/Scottsdale metro area. Some, but not like LA at all. I run into professional people of all colors/race and I would guess everyone is treated appropriately.

Calling people red-neck is kind of like calling someone a lame racial slur, IMHO....so, you might want to think about that if you are concerned with diversity, etc. There are plently of simple little rural towns populated with hard working farmers/ranchers. These people, if living in boarder areas, are rather tired of dealing with illegal immigrants trashing their land, etc. Again, it's not that they hate hispanics, they hate that our American culture is being invaded by people who don't appear to want to assimilate, don't learn the language, use massive amounts of public services and overwhelm the schools.

It depends what community you live in re: the racial mix. NE valley/Scottsdale is predominantly white. Parts of West Phx are mostly hispanic. Parts of Mesa have some Asian component, not a lot. South Phx has historically had a large portion black.

I'd say if you move into a nice area with a good school and your grandaughter is a pleasant, well behaved kid you will probably treated as anyone else.

[fcorrales80]

Yeah as a Hispanic male, even in the ritziest parts of Scottsdale, I have always been treated well and just like everyone else (white). I live downtown and no one cares who or what you are. There is no dislike of Hispanics in Phoenix or Arizona, but a growing concern over illegal immigration...people are smart enough to know the difference. Phoenicians are very accepting and its a great place.

[Rick Lee]

SherrifJoeSupporter, I have a bigger problem with your lack of indentations/paragraphs than I ever did with illegal immigration. And as the husband of someone who just got her Green Card the long, hard and legal way a few weeks ago, I have a big problem with illegals too. Please learn to write. People might bother to read your posts then.

[w1ngzer0]

Joesupporter is spamming and has been reported.

As far as racism, In phoenix i don't see it. I'm white and hated on as much as possible. Strawberry blond hair and blue eyes. I see black's and hispanic's all over Phoenix and i don't care. lol.

Of course im California raised, too. Arizona born.

[azriverfan.]

I'm guessing you are assuming Scottsdale is racist because of some of the rumors you've heard about it in regards to its snobby factor. Yes, I will admit that Scottsdale residents can be snobby and discriminate against people who have less money but they aren't racist. In fact, I felt Scottsdale was more racially tolerant in many ways. Scottsdale prides itself as being the most progressive of all the Phoenix suburbs. That often means embracing diversity. I also feel that Scottsdale residents had manners and were more professional in general. I always got the feeling that even if someone from Scottsdale was racist, he or she would never express that because it would just make them look bad and they wouldn't want the image of being racist because it's not hip or acceptable. Whereas in the south and Texas, I noticed many Caucasians thought it was cool or funny to be a little racist or emphasize minority stereotypes. For example, in Oklahoma City and Texas, I noticed the Asians I worked with got asked the most retarded questions on a routine basis such as: "You sure speak great English" or "Are you related to (any random Asian guy they knew)" or "Why do you not have an accent" or "You're Asian, why is your name Chris." When my team moved to Phoenix, I've never seen this type of behavior from any of the residents here.

There is widspread discrimination against illegals but not against Hispanics. The increasing incidence of illegal immigrations has frustrated people to the point that they take it personaly thus demonizing illegals. It's not just Caucasians that treat illegals poorly. Asians, Blacks and second and third generation Hispanics also treat illegals like lower class beings. However, this isn't limited to Arizona. Go to Southern California and it's the same thing. All the liberals in SoCal will somehow find it acceptable to discriminate against illegals when doing so against an African American is unacceptable. I dislike illegal immigration as well but I also know where to draw the line in regards to demonizing and being racist toward illegals.

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by azriverfan.

I'm guessing you are assuming Scottsdale is racist because of some of the rumors you've heard about it in regards to its snobby factor. Yes, I will admit that Scottsdale residents can be snobby and discriminate against people who have less money but they aren't racist. In fact, I felt Scottsdale was more racially tolerant in many ways. Scottsdale prides itself as being the most progressive of all the Phoenix suburbs. That often means embracing diversity. I also feel that Scottsdale residents had manners and were more professional in general. I always got the feeling that even if someone from Scottsdale was racist, he or she would never express that because it would just make them look bad and they wouldn't want the image of being racist because it's not hip or acceptable. Whereas in the south and Texas, I noticed many Caucasians thought it was cool or funny to be a little racist or emphasize minority stereotypes. For example, in Oklahoma City and Texas, I noticed the Asians I worked with got asked the most retarded questions on a routine basis such as: "You sure speak great English" or "Are you related to (any random Asian guy they knew)" or "Why do you not have an accent" or "You're Asian, why is your name Chris." When my team moved to Phoenix, I've never seen this type of behavior from any of the residents here.

There is widspread discrimination against illegals but not against Hispanics. The increasing incidence of illegal immigrations has frustrated people to the point that they take it personaly thus demonizing illegals. It's not just Caucasians that treat illegals poorly. Asians, Blacks and second and third generation Hispanics also treat illegals like lower class beings. However, this isn't limited to Arizona. Go to Southern California and it's the same thing. All the liberals in SoCal will somehow find it acceptable to discriminate against illegals when doing so against an African American is unacceptable. I dislike illegal immigration as well but I also know where to draw the line in regards to demonizing and being racist toward illegals.

LOLOLOLOLOLOL az river! you forgot y'all look alike!

Seriously, at some level, every city has its own level of racism. I would not consider phoenix/scottsdale to be one although I can see how one would think so due to its very cookie cutter, white suburbian nature!